Danada Equestrian Center

Danada Equestrian Center is a premier equestrian facility operated by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, dedicated to promoting safe, humane horse-handling practices and advancing the relationship between humans and their equine companions. Located on the historic Dan and Ada Rice estate, the center features a stunning Kentucky-style barn built in the 1940s that once served as a renowned Thoroughbred breeding and training facility. The barn’s distinctive architecture includes dormered windows and 26 center stalls surrounded by an exterior aisle, originally designed to allow indoor exercise when weather prevented outdoor training.

The center offers comprehensive horseback riding instruction for individuals ages 12 and older through both group classes and individual lessons. The group lesson program includes four progressive levels: Horsemanship I for inexperienced riders and those needing a refresher, Horsemanship II for students advancing their skills, and Horsemanship III and IV for intermediate and advanced riders working toward a balanced seat and mastering walk, trot, and canter techniques. Students learn all aspects of horsemanship including haltering, grooming, leading, tacking, and proper riding technique in western saddles. Individual lessons provide personalized one-on-one instruction, available as single sessions or convenient four-pack series.

Advanced students can participate in Trail Obstacle Classes and Guided Trail Rides that combine riding skills with nature education and trail etiquette. The center also offers weeklong summer camps for students entering grades 5-8, introducing them to daily barn activities through hands-on experiences including horse care, barn chores, and riding. Additional programming includes guided barn tours, seasonal wagon rides, a five-part horse ownership lecture series, and No Rush Brush grooming sessions. The center welcomes volunteers who assist with horse care, barn maintenance, and program support. The surrounding Danada Forest Preserve offers beautiful trails for hiking and nature exploration, with the preserve open daily from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset.